Decentralization and the Transformation of Solid Waste Governance in Sleman Regency: A Preliminary Review

Abstract

The solid waste issue has become a significant concern in the Special Region of Yogyakarta following the closure of the Regional Final Disposal Site (TPA) Piyungan in 2024. This closure led to a shift in waste management governance from a centralized provincial level to a decentralized approach at the city/regency level. Despite this shift, there is a lack of comprehensive literature explaining the governance models at these local levels. In response to this situation, this paper aims to explain the transformation of waste governance modes, specifically in Sleman Regency, following decentralization. By employing Kooiman's concept of governance, waste management issues are not merely technical problems; they can be viewed through the lens of actor interaction within an ecosystem framework, amidst complex and limited circumstances. This research employs a qualitative method to describe and compare the governance modes that have emerged following decentralization. The study involves interviews with key stakeholders, including the Sleman Environmental Agency (DLH), employees of the Integrated Service Unit (UPT), personnel from the Integrated Waste Treatment Site (TPST), community-run 3R waste facilities, village-owned enterprise waste sites, private waste disposal sites, and depot operators. The research reveals that in the current state, Sleman's governance model simultaneously reflects hierarchical governance, co-governance, and self-governance, which remain unbalanced and fragmented. This condition is mainly due to policy limitations, constrained resources, and the inherent complexity of solid waste issues. These findings aim to contribute to the discourse on improving solid waste governance, particularly regarding governability issues at the local level, providing insights into enhancing the management of waste systems within the region.